Chapter Thirty-Four: Ninth Level of Qi Refinement

According to Song Changsheng’s conjecture, this fragment of jade was likely a remnant of a magical artifact, though its grade was uncertain. He was drawn to it because he sensed the fluctuation of spiritual power within; outwardly, it appeared to be merely a first-grade turmeric jade, perfectly ordinary. Yet upon close examination of the fracture, a faint white hue could be seen within. Song Changsheng could not identify which type of jade possessed this characteristic, but it certainly was not turmeric jade.

“It looks somewhat like second-grade essence jade, but why are there such subtle patterns on its surface…” Song Changsheng leaned in, scrutinizing it for a while, and his expression turned peculiarly strange. “I must have misjudged. This is a man-made imitation, not even genuine turmeric jade.” He recalled purchasing it from a young cultivator’s stall, having carefully inspected it at the time and deemed it extraordinary before buying it. Yet to his surprise, he had been duped by the stall owner, losing five spirit stones.

“The craftsmanship in faking this is impressive. I didn’t notice any flaws at the time—how interesting. Next time I see him, I must make his acquaintance.” Rather than being upset over being deceived, Song Changsheng instead felt an urge to befriend the stall owner. He considered his own discernment quite good—otherwise, he wouldn’t have found the array foundation and the elite water essence. For someone to fool his eyes, they must possess genuine skill.

Though the jade fragment was unexpected, the day's gains were substantial, making his outing worthwhile.

In the days that followed, aside from studying the array patterns, Song Changsheng ventured out every day at mid-morning, returning only at dusk, and soon became familiar with every corner of Liuyun Market. His conversations with Zhu Yiqun grew increasingly congenial; they often explored together, and Zhu Yiqun would occasionally showcase his culinary talents, allowing Song Changsheng to delight in exquisite meals and see his cultivation soar.

From the time he left Jade Cuisine Pavilion until now, just two months had passed, and he had already transformed from the eighth to the ninth stage of Qi refinement. Such was the marvel of medicinal chefs: they used various spiritual ingredients and herbs to craft dishes with unexpected effects, of which increasing cultivation was only one. They were like a fusion of alchemists and spiritual cooks, possessing the strengths of both professions.

In fact, in certain circumstances, medicinal cuisine was even more useful than elixirs. Pills could not be consumed casually, but medicinal dishes posed no such risk—one could only overeat or overcompensate, so medicinal chefs were always honored guests wherever they went.

Yet their legacy was rare, with high thresholds for entry, making them truly scarce. This indirectly revealed that Zhu Yiqun’s mentorship was far from ordinary.

Throughout their time together, Song Changsheng discovered Zhu Yiqun’s genuine love for making friends; in the territory of Lingzhou, acquaintances of his could be found everywhere. Among them were penniless rogue cultivators, direct descendants of foundation-building families, and even cultivators from outside Lingzhou—his network was vast. Over this period, Song Changsheng had also indirectly met many people, expanding his own circle and benefiting greatly.

One should never underestimate connections; they might prove invaluable at the most unexpected times.

Months passed, and their friendship deepened, yet the fog surrounding Zhu Yiqun seemed only to thicken, making him increasingly elusive to Song Changsheng…

——————

“Thank you for your hard work, nephew.” Taking the magical artifact handed over by Song Changsheng, Song Luyuan spoke with genuine sincerity.

“Uncle, I’ve always wondered—why does the shop only accept orders for first-grade superior artifacts? The family surely has no shortage of top-tier first-grade artifact refiners, right?” Song Changsheng asked, puzzled.

He had advanced to top-tier first-grade artifact refiner some time ago, yet had never received an order for a top-tier first-grade artifact, nor did the shop sell such items. Hence his question.

The Song clan’s primary business was array and artifact-related industries, cultivating many array masters and artifact refiners within. Treasure-Seeking Pavilion was the family’s sole magical artifact shop in Liuyun Market, so logically, even a second-grade inferior artifact refiner should be stationed there. Why, then, was the ceiling set at first-grade superior?

Faced with Song Changsheng’s query, Song Luyuan sighed. “You think the family doesn’t want the top-tier first-grade artifact market? It’s not a matter of ability, but of permission.”

“Why not?”

“Because of the Eight Directions Pavilion. Fifty years ago, when they established themselves in Liuyun Market, the markets for magical artifacts, talismans, pills—nearly everything—were seized by them. Their products are superior, their variety vast, and their prices low; none of our local forces can compete, and we’ve watched our business dwindle.

To address this, the heads of the six major local powers joined forces to negotiate with Eight Directions Pavilion, eventually signing a contract. Within the market, Eight Directions Pavilion sells goods below top-tier first-grade at prices equal to ours. In exchange, only Eight Directions Pavilion may sell top-tier first-grade goods. Though second-grade items aren’t included in the contract, we still can’t compete.

Over time, all the family’s artifact refiners above first-grade superior withdrew.” A deep helplessness shone in Song Luyuan’s eyes.

The Eight Directions Pavilion’s influence spanned the five continents of the human realm; how could a hair’s breadth compete with a thigh? That such a contract was signed at all was due to their magnanimity, leaving local powers a lifeline; otherwise, they would have simply ignored us, let alone negotiated.

Song Changsheng felt heavy-hearted after hearing this. He had purchased cultivation resources from Eight Directions Pavilion, but had never known of these hidden truths. In this world, the slightest move by great powers could crush small ones like him, leaving them gasping for air.

“I must grow stronger, and quickly!” Upon leaving the shop, Song Changsheng quietly encouraged himself.

Buzz, buzz—

His communication jade at his waist suddenly vibrated. Song Changsheng infused it with spiritual power, and Zhu Yiqun’s voice sounded in his ear: “Changsheng, are you free today? Come meet me at our usual spot—I need a favor.”

Song Changsheng raised his eyebrows, surprised; after nearly a year of acquaintance with Zhu Yiqun, it was the first time he’d heard the word “favor” from him.

“It seems he’s encountered something urgent. I’d better go see.”

Song Changsheng made his way as quickly as possible to a pavilion on the southern side of the market, where Zhu Yiqun, clad in fine robes, was already waiting.

“Brother Zhu, it’s rare to hear the word ‘favor’ from you. Tell me, what can I help with?” Song Changsheng sat down beside him, speaking straightforwardly.

Zhu Yiqun took a seat next to him, smiled mysteriously, and said, “Actually, this could be a good thing for you as well.”

“Oh?”

“To be honest, over a year ago, some friends and I obtained a map to the ruins of a predecessor’s cave dwelling. We’ve already verified it—the information is accurate, and the ruins are well-preserved.

We’ve made many preparations, but the biggest obstacle is the array around the ruins. We need an array master to accompany us, and you were the first to come to mind!” Zhu Yiqun clapped Song Changsheng heavily on the shoulder.

…